Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated has launched a significant initiative aimed at addressing the alarming maternal and infant health crisis in Mississippi. From January 16 to January 17, 2026, the organization conducted its Global Day of Service, providing essential health resources to nearly 2,000 residents across three key areas: Jackson, Cleveland, and Canton. This initiative, known as the Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint, follows the Mississippi State Department of Health’s declaration of a public health emergency due to rising infant mortality rates.
The two-day event focused on direct service, education, and community engagement, reflecting the Sorority’s ongoing commitment to improving birth equity. Over its 50-year partnership with the March of Dimes, Zeta Phi Beta has developed its signature program, Stork’s Nest™, which aims to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes through community-based efforts.
Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, emphasized the importance of action during the initiative, stating, “This initiative reflects what Founders’ Day truly represents – service in action. We didn’t come to raise awareness alone. We came to deliver solutions, resources, and hope as a blueprint for other maternal deserts across the country.”
The collaboration involved a range of esteemed national and local partners, including the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and various health organizations. This coalition approach was intentional, targeting areas with the highest need for support.
Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, the Sorority’s inaugural International Health Equity Think Tank Director, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that in 2024, Black infants in Mississippi faced mortality rates of 15.2 per 1,000 live births, more than double that of white infants at 5.8 per 1,000. “Black women and our babies are literally dying,” she stated. “When we engage our neighborhoods in identifying urgent needs, we can create meaningful, sustainable progress towards maternal and infant health equity.”
The initiative’s impact was immediate and tangible. A total of 1,920 maternal and infant care kits were distributed, alongside health screenings and educational resources. Voter registration opportunities and nutritious snacks were also provided, creating a holistic approach to community support.
Zakiya Summers, a member of the Mississippi District 68 Representative, expressed the need for systemic change, stating, “This moment demands bold and coordinated action. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint unites community leadership with legislative solutions to advance maternal health policies.” Summers underscored the introduction of the Mississippi Maternal Health Momnibus Act as a key step towards improving access to care and addressing long-standing disparities.
The initiative not only sought to address immediate health needs but also aimed to lay the groundwork for long-term solutions. By bringing together healthcare professionals, elected officials, and community leaders, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority demonstrated how collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable improvements in health equity.
The Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint is poised to serve as a model for future initiatives, demonstrating how advocacy, service, and partnerships can align to create measurable health outcomes. This strategy could inspire similar programs across the nation, highlighting the potential for community-driven solutions to address pressing health disparities.
Founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated has a rich history of community leadership and advocacy focused on advancing social, health, and economic justice. Through initiatives like the Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint, the organization leverages its global programmatic engine, Z-HOPETM, to track community service and measure impact, ensuring that efforts are both effective and accountable.
The recent Global Day of Service not only highlighted the urgent need for action in Mississippi but also showcased the power of community engagement in creating lasting change in maternal and infant health outcomes.
